Miscellaneous F.A.Q.
What
documents do I need to come to Italy?
Citizens from the European Union can enter Italy with an Identification
card or a Passport. Citizens from other countries should check with the
nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate.
If
I need a visa, how can I get it?
If you need a visa to enter Italy, or to extend your stay for more than
90 days, you should apply for a “type D” (student) visa. If
required we will provide you, after enrolment and payment of the deposit,
with all the certificates you need for your visa application.
Which
is the Italian currency ?
Since January 2002 twelve member countries of the European Union have
adopted a common currency called “Euro”. From March 2002 on
local currencies will no longer be circulating and the only accepted currency
in Italy will be the Euro. Currencies from the other Euro member countries
will also no longer be accepted or changed, i.e. ATS, BEF, DEM, ESP, FIM,
FRF, GRD, IEP, LUF, NLG, PTE.
It is however still possible to change other currencies: $, CHF, GBP,
JPY, etc.
Where
and when is it better to change money?
If you want to change large amounts of money, you better to do it in Italy.
You should also bring cash for the first few days (taxi, bus tickets,
small purchases, etc). In change offices commission rates are higher.
The cheapest ones are at the bank.
What
about payments?
Credit Cards are accepted almost everywhere. You can receive money at
Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), if you have an ATM card linked to an
international network (Eurocard, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro etc.). Mastercard
and Visa (with PIN number) may be used to withdraw cash from an ATM machine.
In Europe, ATMs do not often accept PINs with more than 4 digits. Cash
from ATM is only in Euro. The daily amount is limited.
How
can I pay you?
You can pay the school and/or accommodation with Credit Cards or, of course,
cash.
How
much pocket money do I need?
Euros 100 per week, in addition to the costs of accommodation and food,
should be enough.
What
about electricity?
Italy uses a 220 Volts/AC system. Additionally, wall sockets and plugs
may differ from those in your home country. Be sure to get information
about the possible need for an adapter before your departure.
Am
I insured during my staying at you?
During your staying at our school you must be personally insured against
illness and accident. Contact your insurance company to ask whether your
personal insurance is valid abroad. Otherwise purchase a travel insurance.
Members of the national insurance-companies in EU countries should demand
the E111 form to obtain free health service in Italy.Robbery coverage
is often included in personal insurance. If not, we suggest you to purchase
coverage for your stay in Italy.
Which
world time zone does Italy belong to?
Italy uses Middle-European-Time (MET), i.e.: Rome = 0 / New York = -6
/ Tokyo = +8.
During the summer months (mid March to mid October) the clocks are turned
ahead one hour to Middle-European-Summer-Time (MEST = MET + 1h), i.e.:
Rome = 0 / New York = -5 / Tokyo = +9.
What
should I check before leaving?
Here is a list of things we suggest you to check before your departure:
- Valid passport or identity card
- Tickets and reservations
- Insurance documents
- Money, traveller’s cheques and credit cards
- Personal medicine or medical prescriptions
- E111 form (for citizens from EU countries)
- Italian address given to parents etc.
- School informed about arriving time
- Transfer requested from school